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Youth unemployment in China exceeded 20% for the first time in April 2023, according to official statistics released on Tuesday. A worrying sign for the post-Covid-19 economic recovery.
With Stéphane Lagarde, RFI correspondent in Beijing
Unemployment among 16-24 year olds, at 20.4%, is unprecedented in China. Beyond the official figures from the National Statistics Office published on Tuesday, May 16, it is above all a reality experienced by many students leaving the university.
“Job search is also a job”
Ms. Chen sent about 40 CVs after an inconclusive first job experience after graduation. For the moment, there has been no response: “The economy in general is going badly and there are layoffs in all sectors of activity. So it is difficult to find an interesting job. Afterwards, I try to decide. After all, the job search is also a job. Unpaid work, but I work, after all. I try to make up my mind, if not, I have no choice but to lie down,” he told RFI.
Lying down… Tangping, “planking” in Chinese, or the temptation to let yourself be carried away by a less welcoming world of work. After three years of “Covid-19 zero” and regulatory repression in the technology and real estate sectors, these traditionally “young” sectors hire less.
“Chinese society is too competitive”
Duan, a trainee teacher, explains her situation: “When you have so many obstacles at the beginning of your career, all you want is to lie down; stop working… Chinese society is too competitive. There are too many teachers in training centers and some already have more than ten years of experience, so I have few opportunities, I lack recognition”.
A Covid-19 generation lacking recognition. To reorient Chinese youth towards employment-providing sectors, the authorities intend to strengthen vocational training.
